THE introduction of a new basic income grant will not lead to ‘syndromic dependency’ and most South Africans are not unemployed by choice, says Wits professor and chairperson of the Expert Panel on Basic Income Support, Alex van den Heever.
A panel headed by Van den Heever has recommended that the country gradually implement a basic income grant, beginning with the institutionalisation of a monthly welfare payment introduced last year to offset damage wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.
The panel was appointed by the Department of Social Development, the International Labor Organization and the United Nations-backed Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund.
Speaking to SABC News, van den Heever said there are many instances in which people require some form of income support and you don’t necessarily expect them to be working. This includes looking after or bringing up children or because they have become unemployed for reasons beyond their control.
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
